Agriculture: MPs trim part of the text aimed at "lifting constraints" before its examination in the Chamber

Terms of sale of pesticides, return of neonicotinoids, role of the French National Agency for Food Safety (ANSES), size of livestock farms subject to the regime of classified installations for environmental protection... The bill aimed at "lifting constraints on the farming profession" has emerged partially modified from its examination in committee at the National Assembly, which concluded on Friday, May 16. The text, voted on at the end of January by senators, is intended to be the technical counterpart of the Agricultural Orientation Law (LOA), promulgated in March, which recognizes agriculture as being of major general interest. The "PPL Duplomb" - so nicknamed after its co-author, Senator (LR) for Haute-Vienne Laurent Duplomb - is to be debated in session starting May 26. Discussions are expected to be stormy, with those in committee having already drawn very clear visions of agriculture.

Most hotly debated point: Members of the Economic Affairs Committee took a step toward the return of neonicotinoid insecticides, banned in France due to their persistence in the environment and their harmful effects on pollinating insects. If the provision is confirmed, they will be authorized for certain crops exposed to competition from European neighbors, which would have no alternative method for combating pests, for a period of three years. For many opposition members, their return would constitute a "red line," and the majority bloc is divided. The rapporteur for the Republicans, Julien Dive (Aisne), defended a "proportionate" wording and made it conditional on a guarantee of autonomy granted to ANSES in its evaluation procedures.

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